Music Reviews

THE BUZZ MUSIC 4 F E B R U A R Y 2 3 , 2 0 0 6 T H E B U Z Z @ D A I L Y T I T A N . C O M CITY DRIVE CRUISE INTO CSUF RAGGAE FESTIVAL LEAVES GENERATION’S QUESTIONING

By Lori Martinez

Daily Titan Staff Writer

Cal State Fullerton students were treated to a free concert at the Pub in the TSU Underground, Thursday Feb. 17 by the Los Angeles based band, The City Drive.

Despite the fact that most of those in attendance were students on their lunch breaks, the band played like everyone was there just for them.

The City Drive consists of Vocalist/Guitarist, Danny Smith; Bassist, Scott Waldman; Drummer, Marc Precilla; and guest guitarist Chris Perry.

Each member of the band exuded that rock ‘n’ roll sex appeal and they knew it, as they flirted with female audience members throughout the show. Their laid back Southern California style caused them to blend in almost like students.

The City Drive may at first sound like many other pop/punk bands out in circulation right now, but as the band played on the music changed.

Each song had a distinct feel about it, but all of them equally catchy.

With tables and chairs in the way, no one danced, jumped around, or moshed, but many felt a strong urge to.

The guys sounded awesome live, with a good balance between their instruments and their vocals.

They harmonize well together live, producing a sound that is record quality at their shows.

While most of the songs were upbeat and lively, they did perform a few ballads, as the band called them, but were really just slower-paced songs with just as much volume and intensity.

By Jimmy Stroup

Daily Titan Staff Writer

Last week, I put before you a few of my favorite albums to try to contend your attraction to 50 Cent or whatever “American Idol” runner-up got a juicy record deal this month. I was watching the Amazon ratings, and none of the albums I recommended jumped like I thought they would. Still, I’m undeterred and have returned to throw some more quality picks your way. So, here you are. (6) The Name of This Band is Talking Heads by hmmm…. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the great live compilation album by the Talking Heads was finally released on CD a few weeks ago. I did have it on vinyl, but my car only takes CDs, so I was sad on trips. My personal favorite track is “Found a Job,” though “Psycho Killer” and “Minds” are also serious contenders. David Byrne is a genius, no doubt, so enough said. Incidentally, you might like his solo self-titled effort. A song or two from that album is always on any mix I put together. (7) Motown (and Motown II) by Michael McDonald. One of my favorite singers has got to be Michael McDonald. And with his latest outings, McDonald has combined his incredible voice with some of the great rhythm and blues (before morons twisted it into that bastard R&B) and soul tunes. Arguably, originals are better than covers, but these albums really put the screws to that idea, and Michael McDonald’s the only white dude on earth that could’ve done that. (8) The Beatles (so-called White Album) by the Beatles. You know who the Beatles are, so I don’t have to explain. The most improvisational album they ever put together, the White Album is at times tender and at times tumultuous – it’s hard to imagine the same two guys can be so diverse. “Julia,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (featuring Eric Clapton on guitar), “I Will,” “Sexy Sadie,” and the “Revolution(s)” are all tops, though if I had to list all the great tunes on this double, I’d be unable to move on, so I compromise on only the truly great. (9) Live in Texas by Lyle Lovett (and his Large Band). I know. You think Lovett’s country because that’s where he gets shelved. That’s crap (like your music is, but we’ll get there) – Lovett is a heavily jazzinfluenced rock ‘n’ roller. Just because a Texan wears a cowboy hat, pointed boots and strokes a gee-tar, that doesn’t mean he’s country; that’s a stereotype I’m here to stamp out here and now. This album has the advantage of being both live and a sort of greatest-hits montage. The best track on the album is “Nobody Knows Me Like My Baby,” which could make you misty if you aren’t careful. “You’re Not From Texas” is another notable tune on this great, great album. (10) The Clash by the Clash. You may have heard of the Clash. You may even have a few tunes by the Clash on your iPod. But, I assure you, listening to “Rock the Casbah” doesn’t get you close to what the Clash is all about – and this album will. Filled with hate and angst, guitarist Joe Strummer nearly created socially-conscious punk rock. “I’m So Bored With the U.S.A.” and the classic “Hate & War” should bring you closer to what the Clash is all about, and should lend some understanding to the roots of punk.

By Christina House/ Daily Titan Photo Editor

Rising Jewish star Matisyahu, ignited the crowd as he sang hits from his recent album “Live at Stubb’s.”

THE MUSIC SCOOP PART DUEX

The band seemed comfortable on stage and interacted easily with the crowd, with jokes and friendly banter between songs.

They had a good stage presence and kept the audience interested.

As students trickled into the pub to eat their lunch, many stayed long after to enjoy the show.

The City Drive is a group of talented musicians, and Danny Smith is a gifted songwriter and lyricist.

There may have only been a handful of students that have heard of The City Drive, but by the end of the show the band had many more fans, who will patiently await the release of their new full length album, Always Moving Never Stopping.

So, that’s the next five. Absorbing those should fill your waking moments over the next week until it’s time again for me to enlighten you further.

By Christina House/ Daily Titan Editor

Roots empress Dezarie, the only female solo artist to command the stage.

By Christina House/Daily Titan Photo Editor

Luciano’s smooth baritone voice soothed the audience as he sang with the true essence of raggae music from his heart.

MUSIC THE BUZZ F E B R U A R Y 2 3 , 2 0 0 6 T H E B U Z Z @ D A I L Y T I T A N . C O M RAGGAE FESTIVAL LEAVES GENERATION’S QUESTIONING

By Christina House/ Daily Titan Photo Editor

The Wailers, “the world’s ultimate roots rock reggae” group perfomed at the 25th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival in Long Beach, as a tribute to the legendary Bob Marley.

By Courtney Bacalso

Daily Titan News Editor

ighters and cell phone faces lit the Long Beach Arena as thousands of people sang along with the Wailers, who headlined the Ragga Muffins Festival.

Reggae history was created as the Ragga Muffins Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary with many reggae artists and musiclovers paying tribute to Reggae legend Bob Marley.

Both the young and the old comprised the artists and the audience over the weekend proving that reggae has become bigger in this world, fulfilling Marley’s legacy. However, others were left outside of their comfort zone with the way the music has evolved.

“We were more spirited and serious to see this music evolve to what it is right now,” said Ras Michael, reggae artist and friend of Marley, during a news conference. “In our time, so many Jamaican people didn’t understand Rasta until after knowledge increased.”

While Ras Michael admitted that some people might not know him, it is unimportant to him because he did it through love and unity.

Ras Michael performed at the festival for his second time.

He performed at the first ever Ragga Muffins Festival at L

MacArthur Park in 1982. “It is for us all – it is a dance of the spirit even if you are while, black or blue,” he said about reggae music. “Nothing is easy.

The only thing that is easy is love.” Ras Michael said that is why people were there celebrating the message of “One Love.”

Other legendary artists such as Gregory Isaacs, Horace Andy, Alton Ellis and Admiral Bailey performed the first day of the festival.

“The vibration is so strong, I don’t see it going away,” said Misty Roots band member Anthony Henry, otherwise known as Tsungi, who added that he was honored to be with legends such as Ras Michael.

Up-and-coming artists such as Odel Johnson and Luciano, who both performed as well, proved that Rastafarian music is here to stay, while performances from artists such as Chapter 11, Matisyahu, and Michael Franti and the Spearheads illustrated how reggae music has evolved and become even more worldly.

California bands - Chapter 11 and Michael Franti’s band - seemed to be a culmination of reggae and rock, having a similar sound to Sublime. However, both have had a successful following of fans.

Matisyahu, a Jewish artist breaking into the reggae scene, has also been receiving a huge following.

Despite their success, some artists worry that the true spirit of reggae may be forgotten. While the message may seem easy, some artist felt that the message sometimes gets lost in the complexity of the music.

Freddy Flyn, who performed with Ras Michael and is a former band member of E e k - a - M o u s e , agrees.

“The words are hard to retain because the music is complex.

So, people don’t really get to hear the message,” he said in an interview.

Flynt also said that sometimes the new artists aren’t familiar with Rastafarian culture but Flynt admits that he keeps and open mind when listening to the new groups.

Garth Dennis - a band member of Black Uhuru, a second-generation reggae band – also said he worries about people forgetting what the music is about.

“If you can pass it down to a small group in a generation, then the knowledge is there and it’s fine.

Even if it’s just one, then you succeed,” he said.

By Christina House/ Daily Titan Photo Editor Titan Photo Editor

Legendary Gregory Isaacs, who defined “lover srock” graced the stage with his smooth, winding vocals.

Freddie McGregor admits doing that with his own family has been trying at times.

McGregor, a noted reggae artist as well who successfully brought reggae into Indian reservations and places in Asia, has been guiding his children who have joined the industry as well.

His daughter, Yashemabeth, has a strong following in Japan.

“Sometimes she can be a stubborn girl but they really love her in Japan,” said McGregor as he chuckled during the news conference. “Sometimes you have children that take your advice and do well because of it.

Yashemabeth doesn’t follow my advice but I am proud of her.”

However, the generation gap was not only seen on stage but in the audience as well.

Joey Vecchione, 33, brought his 19-month old son, Marley, to the festival.

“My heart is Jamaica and reggae,” the New Jersey native said. He and his wife, Elaine, 31, named their son after the reggae legend.

Barbara Barbino, event organizer and founder of Ragga Muffins, said, in an earlier interview, that the success of the festival is the new people it brings to take part of the history.

“Sometimes people don’t know about artists beyond Bob Marley – artists who helped paved the way,” she said. “But this festival helps remind them of who they are and helps others get out there.”